Orange County has named Danielle Carman as its next criminal justice resource director. In this role, Carman will oversee all programs within the Criminal Justice Resource Department and lead efforts to serve individuals impacted by the criminal justice system and strengthen communication and collaboration among the county’s criminal justice partners. She will begin her new role with the county on August 11.
Carman brings extensive experience in public service and justice reform, currently serving as executive director of the North Carolina Council for Women and Youth Involvement at the Department of Administration, a role she has held since June 2001. In that capacity, she oversees an office responsible for administering state and federal grants for domestic violence and sexual assault agencies and supports the work of four statewide councils and commissions.
Previously, Carman served as deputy director of the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts from October 2019 to February 2021, where she led the Court Programs Division. From 2016 to 2019, she was deputy director of the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, advancing criminal and youth justice initiatives and voting rights through development, grants management, and organizational administration. Carman also served for over 15 years as the founding assistant director and general counsel for the North Carolina Office of Indigent Defense Services (IDS).
“I’m proud to join a department that puts fairness, public safety and dignity at the center of our justice system,” said Carman. “From reducing unnecessary pretrial incarceration to expanding diversion and treatment options, CJRD is doing work that transforms lives. I’m excited to lead and support this next chapter alongside the talented team that Cait Fenhagen cultivated over the past decade.”
“Danielle’s strong background in court administration, policy leadership and community engagement makes her exceptionally qualified to lead the Criminal Justice Resource Department,” said Orange County Manager Travis Myren. “Her vision and experience will strengthen our efforts to provide effective and equitable support services for justice-involved individuals in Orange County.”
Carman succeeds previous director Cait Fenhagen, who is now the deputy manager of Orange County. Fenhagen served in the role since the department’s inception in 2015. The CJRD has grown significantly over the last 10 years with the strong support of the Orange County Commissioners and a partnership with community members, court stakeholders and law enforcement.
For more information about the Criminal Justice Resource Department, visit www.orangecountync.gov/CJRD.